Is the India-Central Asia Partnership a Key to Solving Regional and Global Issues?

New Delhi, June 6 (NationPress) The Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan held a joint discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening, updating him on the fruitful talks that took place during the 4th Meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue earlier that day in New Delhi.

During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi stressed that fostering relationships with Central Asian nations has always been a top priority for India. He elaborated on his vision aimed at increasing economic ties, improving connectivity, boosting defense and security collaboration, and fostering comprehensive partnerships in emerging sectors.

Modi pointed out that a robust India-Central Asia partnership acts as a significant force multiplier in tackling collective regional and global challenges.

"I am pleased to have met with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. India values its historical connections with Central Asian countries immensely. I look forward to collaborating to enhance our cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, fintech, food security, and health for mutual growth and prosperity. We are united and steadfast in our fight against terrorism," PM Modi shared on X following the meeting.

As per the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Central Asian Foreign Ministers expressed their strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and voiced their support for India’s efforts against cross-border terrorism.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi invited leaders from all Central Asian nations to the upcoming Second India-Central Asia Summit, which will be hosted in India.

The India-Central Asia Dialogue represents a mutual interest between India and Central Asian nations to establish a closer, broader, and more robust partnership based on friendship, trust, and mutual understanding.

In the last two days, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted the five Central Asian foreign ministers, including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Zheenbek Kulubaev (Kyrgyzstan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan), and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan), against the backdrop of ongoing cross-border terrorism incidents, notably the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.

Initiated in January 2019 in Samarkand, the India-Central Asia Dialogue serves as a vital platform for enhancing relations between India and Central Asia. The second meeting occurred virtually in October 2020, focusing on regional security, counter-terrorism, and infrastructure development, while the third meeting in December 2021 centered on connectivity to strengthen ties further.